Chapter 79: Coincidence
Lin Han piloted his aircar, taking Song Yue straight to the most renowned gourmet city on Tianyue Star.
Unlike those so-called “food cities” back on Earth, this one was truly a city in every sense of the word. Its scale dwarfed even the Lin family’s towering skyscraper that pierced the clouds.
“Here, if you can imagine a delicacy, you can most likely find it,” Lin Han said with a grin. “But since we’re on Tianyue, we absolutely have to try the most famous local dishes!”
He guided the aircar upward, soaring quickly through the clouds to reach the very top tier of the gourmet city. From here, Song Yue’s spiritual perception could clearly sense an invisible energy shield outside the atmosphere, enveloping the entire massive planet.
He hadn’t noticed it when they first arrived, but now its presence was undeniable.
Lin Han, noticing Song Yue looking up, spoke with unabashed pride. “That’s the photonic defense layer—without it, there would barely be any oxygen here, and survival would be impossible.”
Song Yue nodded. This was a textbook example of technology shaping the future.
Lin Han went on, “That layer doesn’t just protect us; it regulates climate, controls the weather, and even neutralizes natural disasters. If a meteor tries to break through, it can precisely shoot it down…”
As he spoke, he brought Song Yue into a restaurant at the very top.
Unlike other establishments boasting picturesque scenery, this place resembled one of Earth’s bustling street-side food stalls—albeit on a grand scale. The hall was as large as two football fields and thronged with people.
When they entered, it seemed at first glance that every seat was filled, with barely a free spot in sight. Yet, oddly enough, while people chatted, gestured, and mouths moved in conversation, there was no cacophonous noise.
Lin Han explained, “Every seat has its own energy shield, ensuring privacy and keeping the noise down. If you want, you can even change the color for one-way or double-sided invisibility.”
Song Yue swept his gaze across the room and saw that some areas were indeed set to private. The power of technology was everywhere.
It made him suddenly feel that martial arts and cultivation seemed out of place in such a world.
Lin Han led Song Yue to a long, rectangular table he’d reserved in advance. It was about one and a half meters wide and nearly eight meters long.
Song Yue, puzzled, asked, “Are you expecting more guests?”
Lin Han shook his head. “Nope!”
“Then why reserve such a big table?” Song Yue pressed.
Lin Han grinned. “For the dishes, of course! Otherwise, where would we put them all?”
He then summoned a virtual menu and began tapping away at lightning speed.
“Don’t overdo it,” Song Yue cautioned. “Let’s not order too much.”
Not knowing what the local cuisine would be like, he wasn’t sure how much he could eat.
“Braised Trident Wyvern, Blue Ocean Star Seafood Platter, Stir-fried Saber-toothed Tiger Meat, Steamed Golden Perch from Lake Tianyue…” Lin Han recited as he ordered, introducing each dish. “Trident Wyverns are usually at the seventh or eighth level of qi cultivation, sometimes even foundation level. They’re a top-tier delicacy among mystical beasts—rich but not greasy, and braised to perfection!”
“Blue Ocean Star is a nearby life planet—all ocean, no land, teeming with the finest seafood. Ever seen a lobster over two meters long? Or a three-hundred-kilo crab? There are even shellfish bigger than people… and those are just the low-tier mystical beasts!”
“Only here, in the gourmet city of Tianyue, can you taste them!”
Song Yue thought to himself, Have you ever seen a lobster with claws over ten meters long? Or eaten a crab weighing over ten thousand pounds? Tried stir-fried Dragon-striped Leopard?
But he didn’t argue; after all, Lin Han’s intentions were good, and sampling alien delicacies sounded fun.
“Yue, let me tell you—the saber-toothed tigers here are all bred from ancient Earth stock. You must have seen them in prehistoric history classes… ha ha.”
“And the Golden Perch from Lake Tianyue is cunning—you can only catch them with a special bait. I reserved one over five pounds half a month in advance. Wait till you taste it!”
As Lin Han spoke, he activated the table’s energy shield but left privacy off—he was still a young man at heart and wanted to show off a little while treating a friend, isolating only the sound.
The cooking was lightning fast—each dish prepared by advanced AI chefs. There wasn’t a single staff member to be seen in the vast hall.
Lin Han remarked, “Only the great families still use human staff, keeping to old traditions. Personally, I prefer the convenience of high-level automation!”
Just then, a gentle voice from the intelligent system in their booth chimed in:
“Mr. Lin, due to the restaurant’s popularity, there are almost no empty seats. We detect there are still seats available at your table. May we process a shared-table request? Here are the details of the other party. If you agree, the system will partition your area for privacy and offer you a twenty percent discount…”
“No way! Who needs your discount?” Lin Han bristled, feeling slighted. Was the Lin family’s hospitality so cheap that they needed a discount?
But then, catching sight of the other group, he quickly called out, “Wait a moment…”
His gaze settled on several girls in the group. While gene editing meant there were hardly any unattractive people on Tianyue Star, these girls were breathtaking, each one a stunning beauty.
One, in particular, a long-haired girl in a short skirt with two snow-white legs exposed, seemed to exude an ethereal aura—Lin Han could hardly look away.
He turned to Song Yue. “Bro, how about we show some generosity? The people who come here are true gourmets—let’s be gracious to our fellow connoisseurs.”
Song Yue had also noticed the group and smiled. “As you like—I don’t mind.”
“Then let’s share part of our area with them!” Lin Han said grandly.
The highly intelligent AI responded approvingly, “Mr. Lin, you are truly magnanimous. Thank you for your understanding. Enjoy your meal—there will also be a complimentary surprise dish!”
Lin Han was delighted. “Bro, you don’t know—every dish here is expensive. Normally, they never serve anything for free!”
Song Yue smiled and nodded.
After a while, Ling Xiaohan and a chic, strikingly beautiful short-haired woman arrived with their party.
The short-haired woman glanced at Song Yue and Lin Han, nodded slightly, and spoke in a voice with a hint of huskiness, “Thank you. We booked late and couldn’t get a table. Thank you for your generosity.”
Lin Han flashed a courteous smile. “No need to thank us, sister. When you’re out in the world, it’s good to help others—it benefits everyone.”
She nodded and motioned for her group to sit.
Ling Xiaohan glanced around, frowning. “So many people!”
The short-haired woman smiled, “Only here can you experience the most authentic Tianyue cuisine. Don’t be fooled by the crowds or the seemingly simple setting—the ingredients here are the finest.”
By now, most of the dishes Lin Han ordered had arrived. He picked up an opened bottle of fruit wine to pour for Song Yue.
Song Yue waved him off. “Let’s just enjoy the food—no need for wine.”
He had no interest in such low-alcohol drinks; they held no appeal.
Lin Han muttered, “You’re just like my sister—never drinks. What’s wrong with a man having a drink out? Does she have to control that too?”
Hey!
This brat! Do you really think I’m your future brother-in-law? And saying it so the others can hear—afraid I’ll ruin your chances?
Song Yue chuckled, “How about some strong white spirits, then? This stuff is too dull.”
Lin Han: !!!
He eyed Song Yue seriously. “Are you serious? Aren’t you afraid my sister will say something?”
Song Yue smiled calmly. “She’s my boss and never meddles in my private life.”
Lin Han was speechless—his ploy seen through so easily! But he didn’t blush, simply ordered a bottle of strong spirits.
At that moment, the AI asked if either party wanted to activate privacy mode—even at the same table, an energy shield could partition the space.
Lin Han kept glancing at Ling Xiaohan at the next table—no way he’d activate privacy! But he was sly and turned to the elegant short-haired woman, politely saying, “If you find it noisy, feel free to turn it on. It’s just the two of us—we don’t mind.”
She smiled and shook her head. “Chance encounters are fate—no need for that. It’s only to avoid disturbing others. Let’s just leave it as is.”
That suited Lin Han perfectly. He smiled, “Well said, sister. My name is Lin Han. May I ask yours?”
She laughed. “You really want to know about my sister here, don’t you? I’m Qin Qi, and she’s Ling Xiaohan.” She indicated a handsome young man beside her. “And that’s Bai Qi.”
The handsome man nodded at Song Yue and Lin Han. “Everyone calls me the God of War.”
Lin Han looked confused, but Song Yue instantly understood—this referred to a legendary general from the ancient Earth civilization of the Galactic Era.
Having studied ancient history with his tutor since childhood, Song Yue was well versed in such things.
He smiled and quoted, “He was the one who left the fields soaked in blood.”
Bai Qi’s eyes lit up. “You know about the God of War?”
Song Yue nodded.
Bai Qi was delighted. “Then we must share a drink later!”
“No problem,” Song Yue replied.
Qin Qi proceeded to introduce the others. “This is Lei Ming, my childhood friend and a young martial arts grandmaster.”
Tall, powerfully built, and with striking features, Lei Ming grinned modestly. “Not so young anymore—almost thirty. Can’t compare with you kids.”
A grandmaster before thirty! Song Yue thought, I’m almost there myself.
“And this is our genius talisman master, Xue Guanghui. He’s an expert in all kinds of talisman creation!”
A talisman master? Rare even on Earth. Song Yue was surprised to meet one here.
Xue Guanghui was humble, smiling, “Not really a genius—there are many better than me.”
Qin Qi chided, “Don’t be so modest—you’re the best!”
She introduced the last member. “This is Tong Yue, my best friend…”
Lin Han eyed the long-haired girl in a baseball cap, looking rather inconspicuous, and suddenly realized, “No wonder I didn’t recognize you—you look different from your online profile!”
He explained to Song Yue, “Bro, she’s a superstar here on Tianyue!”
Tong Yue lifted her head, her delicate features composed, and replied modestly, “Superstar? Hardly—just a regular person. Certainly no match for Young Master Lin.”
Lin Han was startled, “You know me?”
Tong Yue smiled, “Your family once invited me to their annual celebration…”
Lin Han slapped his forehead. “Right! That was last year, wasn’t it? But I was well-behaved then, wasn’t I?”
Tong Yue laughed, “Maybe I just have a good memory. My team gave me a list of important guests—that’s how I remembered.”
Lin Han responded with self-deprecating modesty, “Me? I’m just a kid—what’s important about me?”
Qin Qi glanced at Tong Yue, who smiled, “Yes, from the Lin family.”
Qin Qi gave a little “oh” and laughed, “What a coincidence. Fate really does bring people together!”
She turned to Song Yue, “And you are…?”
Lin Han jumped in before Song Yue could answer, “This is Song Yue—my ‘Bro Yue,’ a martial arts prodigy, and maybe my future brother-in-law…”
Song Yue was speechless.
Looking at the suddenly enlightened faces of the others, he introduced himself, “I’m Song Yue, from Earth.”
Ling Xiaohan exclaimed in delight, “Earth? Then we’re neighbors!”
Song Yue: ???
What a creative neighbor. Where exactly would that be—on the Moon? Or maybe Mars?
Ling Xiaohan, realizing her slip, caught Qin Qi’s warning glance, and quickly added, “The universe is a neighborhood, after all!”
The group began chatting happily.
Song Yue found them all to be polite and pleasant. Making new friends on Tianyue Star was turning out to be a good experience.
Interestingly, upon seeing Song Yue order strong spirits, the others followed suit, showing little interest in the low-alcohol fruit wine.
Lin Han, feeling awkward as the only one drinking fruit wine, switched to spirits as well. But he sipped slowly, braving the burn with each taste.
Before long, the two groups combined their dishes and enjoyed the feast together.
After a few rounds, Ling Xiaohan, slightly tipsy, activated her virtual device, frowned, and muttered, “That guy is so cold! Still hasn’t accepted my request. Does he think I’m no good?”
Qin Qi glanced over and smiled ruefully. “Silly girl, he’s just offline.”
“Oh!” Ling Xiaohan blinked and huffed, “When I get good, I’ll get my revenge—beat him fifty times, no, a hundred!”
Lin Han, who’d been watching her, laughed, “Someone giving you a hard time?”
Ling Xiaohan clammed up—getting beaten fifty times in a virtual community wasn’t something to brag about. She glanced at Lin Han and said, “Nothing.”
But Lin Han suddenly remembered something and started to laugh, “Something hilarious happened today—”
Song Yue cut him off smoothly, “Yes, our local guide Lin Han here claimed to know every street in Tianyue, but he still got lost driving us over—ha ha!”
Whatever Lin Han intended to say was cut off, and, with the alcohol working on him, he soon forgot about it. Song Yue breathed a sigh of relief.
He couldn’t shake the feeling that Ling Xiaohan might just be the same “rookie” he’d trounced fifty times earlier—but surely it couldn’t be that much of a coincidence.
The feast stretched on for hours, everyone thoroughly enjoying themselves.
At parting, Lin Han suggested they all exchange contact details—mostly, of course, to get Ling Xiaohan’s. She was enchanting, almost otherworldly.
But when they did, the slightly tipsy Ling Xiaohan clapped Lin Han on the shoulder and declared, “We’re good buddies now!”
Lin Han’s smile froze—he hadn’t wanted to be her buddy. Why must this ethereal beauty act like a bro?
When she exchanged contacts with Song Yue, she asked casually, “Do you play in the virtual world?”
The question seemed offhanded, and Song Yue didn’t sense any probing intent—perhaps she thought Earthlings weren’t very skilled and wanted to boost her own confidence.
He shook his head decisively. “I don’t play.”
Ling Xiaohan beamed, “I’ll teach you! The mecha games in the virtual world are awesome!”
Song Yue smacked his lips. “I’m a newbie—afraid I’ll get crushed.”
Ling Xiaohan replied, “So what? Look at me—I’m a newbie too, but I’m already great!”
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